Best College Majors for 2027: Top Degrees by Salary, Job Growth & AI Safety
How We Ranked These Majors
We scored each major on three equally-weighted dimensions: starting salary (NACE and Georgetown CEW data), job growth (BLS 2024-2034 projections), and AI resilience (Brookings automation exposure scores). Majors scoring well across all three rank highest.
The Top 15 College Majors for 2027
| # | Major | Starting Salary | Job Growth | AI Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Computer Science | $75,900 | +25% | Low |
| 2 | Nursing (BSN) | $63,000 | +6% | Very Low |
| 3 | Data Science | $70,000 | +36% | Moderate |
| 4 | Mechanical Engineering | $72,300 | +10% | Low |
| 5 | Cybersecurity | $67,000 | +33% | Very Low |
| 6 | Public Health | $48,000 | +22% | Low |
| 7 | Electrical Engineering | $72,300 | +8% | Low |
| 8 | Applied Math / Statistics | $65,000 | +30% | Moderate |
| 9 | Physician Assistant Studies | $58,000 | +28% | Very Low |
| 10 | Finance | $63,400 | +8% | Moderate |
| 11 | Social Work | $42,000 | +7% | Very Low |
| 12 | Construction Management | $58,000 | +8% | Very Low |
| 13 | Information Technology | $60,000 | +15% | Moderate |
| 14 | Special Education | $45,000 | +4% | Very Low |
| 15 | Biology (Pre-Health) | $46,000 | +5% | Low |
Sources: BLS OOH, Georgetown CEW, NACE, Brookings
STEM Majors: Still Dominant, Specialization Matters More
STEM occupies five of the top eight spots. BLS projects 25% growth for software developers (450,000 new positions) and 36% for data scientists through 2034. But AI is automating entry-level coding and data tasks, raising the bar. Georgetown CEW shows that mid-career CS earnings for AI and ML specialists far outpace generic development roles. A STEM degree remains among the strongest investments, but students should specialize. See our computer science career paths guide.
Healthcare Majors: The Safest Bet in Any Economy
Healthcare combines strong salary floors, near-guaranteed employment, and very low AI risk. BLS projects 40% growth for nurse practitioners and 28% for physician assistants. Nursing ranks second because it scores near-perfect across all dimensions — no AI can perform bedside care. Biology pre-health tracks lead to medical school and PA programs where earnings jump dramatically. See our healthcare majors guide and best pre-med majors.
Business Majors: Specialization Wins, Generalism Loses
Finance graduates start at $63,400 with strong trajectories. General business administration starts at $52,000 with more competition. Within business, specialization matters enormously. See our guides on business degree careers, marketing careers, economics careers, and majors for entrepreneurs.
The AI Factor: Which Majors Survive the Next Decade
Brookings Institution AI exposure research shows the lowest-risk occupations require physical work in unpredictable environments, complex interpersonal judgment, or novel strategic thinking. Highest-risk: routine data processing, formulaic writing, basic code generation. See our AI career risk report, AI-proof majors, and degrees AI is making obsolete.
Majors Losing Value in 2027
General studies consistently shows the lowest salaries and weakest pipelines. Communications graduates face AI-assisted content creation driving down entry wages. Students in these fields should consider double majoring in a higher-earning field. See our guides on communications careers, English degree careers, and degrees losing value.
How to Choose the Right Major for 2027
Georgetown CEW shows major choice accounts for more earning variation than school name. Find the intersection of genuine interest, demonstrated aptitude, and market demand. Read our step-by-step guide to choosing a major, our guide for undecided students, or take the MajorMatch quiz for personalized recommendations.
Bottom Line
The best 2027 majors combine BLS growth projections, salaries that justify the cost, and AI resilience. CS, nursing, data science, engineering, and cybersecurity lead. But the right major depends on your strengths and situation. Use this data alongside our is college worth it analysis and trade school vs college comparison to make an informed decision.
Find Your Best-Fit Major
Take our science-backed quiz matched to your strengths, interests, and goals.
Take the Quiz →Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best college majors for 2027?
CS, Nursing, Data Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Cybersecurity based on BLS growth, salary, and AI resilience.
Which majors have the highest starting salary?
CS ($75,900), Petroleum Engineering ($74,500), Electrical Engineering ($72,300) per NACE.
What majors are AI-proof?
Nursing, social work, physical therapy, trades, and specialized engineering per Brookings research.
Are STEM majors still worth it?
Yes. BLS projects 25% growth for software developers and 36% for data scientists through 2034.
What are the fastest growing careers?
Nurse practitioners (40%), data scientists (36%), security analysts (33%), software developers (25%) per BLS.
Should I choose salary or passion?
Georgetown CEW shows major choice matters more than school name. Find the intersection of interest, aptitude, and demand.
Sources & References
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook (2024-2034)
- Georgetown CEW — Earnings by Major
- NACE 2025 Salary Survey
- Brookings — AI Workforce Research